FAL-ANT-6 - Falcom

THIS DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE AT http://www.falcom.de/ 

Version 1.01, 28/09/2006 

FAL-ANT-6 

GSM/DCS/PCS/GPS antenna 

(with SMA/FME connectors) 

Description

Fal-Ant-6 Version 1.01 

Contents 

0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................3 

0.1 General ....................................................................................................................3 

1 SECURITY.....................................................................................4 

1.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................4 

1.1.1 EXPOSURE TO RF ENERGY ............................................................................................ 4 

1.1.2 EFFICIENT OPERATION ................................................................................................... 4 

1.1.3 ANTENNA CARE................................................................................................................ 4 

1.1.4 DRIVING ............................................................................................................................. 4 

1.1.5 ELECTRONIC DEVICES .................................................................................................... 4 

1.1.6 VEHICLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.............................................................................. 4 

1.1.7 MEDICAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ............................................................................. 5 

1.1.8 AIRCRAFT .......................................................................................................................... 5 

1.1.9 CHILDREN.......................................................................................................................... 5 

1.1.10 BLASTING AREAS ............................................................................................................. 5 

1.1.11 NON-IONISING RADIATION .............................................................................................. 5 

2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.................................................6 

3 ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................7 

3.1 Electrical specification of GPS antenna ...................................................................7 

3.2 Electrical specification of GSM/DCS/PCS antenna..................................................7 

4 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATION ..................................................8 

4.1 Environmental Specification.....................................................................................8 

Version history 

Version number Author Changes 

1.00 Fadil Beqiri Initial version 

1.01 

Fadil Beqiri 

Guido Voigt 

The FME to SMA adapter changed to FME to FME one. See Figure 

1. 

Table 2 updated. (The new values are obtained in the final 

measurement at Tyco Lab). 

This confidential document is the property of FALCOM GmbH and may not be copied or circulated without permission. 

Page 1


Cautions 

Information furnished herein by FALCOM are accurate and reliable. However, no 

responsibility is assumed for its use. 

Please read carefully the safety precautions. 

If you have any technical questions regarding this document or the product 

described in it, please contact your vendor. 

General information about FALCOM and its range of products are available at the 

following internet address: http://www.falcom.de/ 

Trademarks 

Some mentioned products are registered trademarks of their respective companies. 

Copyright 

The FAL-ANT-6 antenna user’s guide is copyrighted by FALCOM GmbH with all rights 

reserved. No part of this user’s guide may be produced in any form without the prior 

written permission of FALCOM GmbH. 

FALCOM GmbH. 

No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained 

herein. 


Page 2


0 INTRODUCTION 

0.1 General 

This manual describes the electrical, mechanical and environmental specifications 

of the FALCOM device FAL-ANT-6. It contains information about purpose and 

application area of the device. 

The FAL-ANT-6 represents combined active GPS and and Quad Band GSM 

850/900/1800/1900 MHz antenna. The unit is designed for in-door (windows plane) 

mounting. The antenna is delivered with 2.5 m cable set with SMA-male and FMEfemale 

connectors. The FAL-ANT-6 can be connected to the FALCOM A2D-3 

GSM/GPS terminal, but it can be used with any other equipment that provides the 

proper electrical and mechanical antenna interfaces. 

The compact form-factor, the sample installation and the excellent price/ 

performance are making out of the FAL-ANT-6 perfect for vehicle tracking systems as 

well as related applications. 

Users are advised to quickly proceed to the “Security” chapter and read the hints 

carefully. 


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1 SECURITY 

IMPORTANT FOR THE EFFICIENT AND SAFE OPERATION OF THIS ANTENNA. READ THIS 

INFORMATION BEFORE USE ! 

1.1 GENERAL 

The FAL-ANT-6 utilises the GSM standard for cellular technology. GSM is a newer radio 

frequency (« RF ») technology than the current FM technology that has been used 

for radio communications for decades. The GSM standard has been established for 

use in the European community and elsewhere. 

1.1.1 EXPOSURE TO RF ENERGY 

There has been some public concern about possible health effects of using GSM or 

GSM/GPS equipment. Although research on health effects from RF energy has 

focused for many years on the current RF technology, scientists have begun 

research regarding newer radio technologies, such as GSM. After existing research 

had been reviewed, and after compliance to all applicable safety standards had 

been tested, it has been concluded that the product is fit for use. 

If you are concerned about exposure to RF energy there are things you can do to 

minimise exposure. Obviously, limiting the duration of your calls will reduce your 

exposure to RF energy. In addition, you can reduce RF exposure by operating your 

cellular equipment efficiently by following the below guidelines. 

1.1.2 EFFICIENT OPERATION 

For your equipment to operate at the lowest power level, consistent with satisfactory 

call quality: 

Extend the antenna cable as long as possible verify. 

Do not hold the antenna when it is « IN USE ». Holding the antenna affects call quality 

and may cause the modem to operate at a higher power level than needed. 

1.1.3 ANTENNA CARE 

Do not use a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with 

the skin, a minor burn may result. Replace a damaged antenna immediately. 

1.1.4 DRIVING 

Do not install on the front windshields you can impair the sight of the driver. 

1.1.5 ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

Most electronic devices, for example in hospitals and motor vehicles are shielded 

from RF energy. However RF energy may affect some malfunctioning or improperly 

shielded electronic equipment. 

1.1.6 VEHICLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT 

Check your vehicle manufacturer’s representative to determine if any on board 

electronic equipment is adequately shielded from RF energy. 


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1.1.7 MEDICAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT 

Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices (such as pacemakers, 

hearing aids, etc...) to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF 

energy. 

Do not use the antenna or turn your connected equipment OFF in health care 

facilities when any regulations posted in the area instruct you to do so. Hospitals or 

health care facilities may be using RF monitoring equipment. 

1.1.8 AIRCRAFT 

Do not use the antenna before boarding any aircraft. 

Use it on the ground only with crew permission. 

Do not use in the air. 

To prevent possible interference with aircraft systems, Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) regulations require you to have permission from a crew member to use the 

antenna while the plane is on the ground. To prevent interference with cellular 

systems, local RF regulations prohibit using your device whilst airborne. 

1.1.9 CHILDREN 

Do not allow children to play with your antenna. It is not a toy. Children could hurt 

themselves or others (by poking themselves or others in the eye with the antenna, for 

example). Children could damage the antenna. 

1.1.10 BLASTING AREAS 

To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your unit OFF when in a « blasting 

area » or in areas posted : « turn off two-way radio ». Construction crew often use 

remote control RF devices to set off explosives. 

1.1.11 NON-IONISING RADIATION 

As with other mobile radio transmitting equipment, users are advised that for 

satisfactory operation and for the safety of personnel, it is recommended that no 

part of the human body be allowed to come too close to the antenna during 

operation of the equipment. 

The antenna shall be mounted in such a position that no part of the human body will 

normally rest close to any part of the antenna. 


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Hints 

2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 

1. With a cleaning-cloth (not included) clean the side of the part where the 

antenna is supposed to be installed. 

2. There is a sticked adhesive pad at the bottom side of the antenna head. 

Remove the protecting sheet (yellow sticker) from the adhesive pad. (On 

the figure below the adhesive pad is separated, but in the delivery 

packing it will be sticked at the bottom side of the antenna head). 

3. Place the adhesive pad on to cleaned area and press the other side of the 

antenna head to avoid air bubbles. The cable must point vertically down. 

4. The FAL-ANT-6 antenna has two different type connectors, the GPS SMAmale 

connector has to be connected to the SMA-female antenna 

interface of the target GPS equipment and the GSM FME-female 

connector can be connected to the antenna adapter (using FME-male to 

FME male) and then to the FME-female antenna interface of the target 

GSM/DCS/PCS equipment. 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

♦ 

The transmitting/receiving side is on the bottom side of the antenna head. 

Proper functionality requires on-glass-mounting 

Does not install the device on metalized or coated windows 

To be installed in-door on the immovable parts. 

FAL-ANT-6 is not water resistant. Do not contact it to water. 

Adapter (FME-M to FME-M) and cable extensions are available as an 

additional accessory. 

Figure 1: FAL-ANT-6, GSM/DCS/PCS and GPS antenna 


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3 ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS 

3.1 Electrical specification of GPS antenna 

Parameter Specification 

Frequency 1575 ± 3MHz 

VSWR < 1.4 

Bandwidth 10 MHz min. 

Impedance 50 Ω 

Patch 25 mm X 25 mm X 2 mm 

Gain Coverage ≥- 4 dBic at -90° ≤ 0 ≤ 90° (over 75% volume) 

Polarization RHCP 

Amplifier Gain without cable 17 dB typical 

Noise Figure 1.2 dB typical 

DC Voltage DC 3 to 5 V 

DC Current 3 mA max. 

Table 1: Electrical specification for GPS antenna 

3.2 Electrical specification of GSM/DCS/PCS antenna 


GSM 900 880 - 960 MHz 

Frequency range 

Peak Gain 

GSM 850 825 – 894 MHz 

DCS 1800 1710 - 1880 MHz 

GSM 1900 1850 – 1990 MHz 

GSM 900 0 ~ 0.5 dBi 

GSM 850 0 ~ 0.5 dBi 

DCS 1800 0.5 ~ 1 dBi 

GSM 1900 0.5 ~ 1 dBi 

GSM 900 < 2 

GSM 850 < 2 

VSWR 

DCS 1800 < 2 

GSM 1900 < 2 

Polarization Linear 

Impedance 50 Ω 

Table 2: Electrical specification for GSM/DCS/PCS antenna 


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4 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATION 


Weight ≤ 99 gr. 

Size 70 x 13 mm (diameter x high) 

Cable 2.5 m RG174 standard 

GSM/DCS connector FME-female 

GPS connector SMA-male 

Mounting Adhesive pad base 

Housing Color Black 

Table 3: Mechanical specification of FAL-ANT-6 

4.1 Environmental Specification 


Operating Temperature -40 °C < T < +85 °C 

Storage Temperature -40 °C < T < +85 °C 

Vibration Sine Sweep, 1 G(0-P), 10-150-10 MHz each axis 

Humidity 95% ~ 100% RH 

Table 4: Environmental specification of FAL-ANT-6 


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FAL-ANT-6 - Falcom

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